Lampard prepares for back-seat role in FA Cup semi-final against rivals City

Rafa Benitez prepares for his first match at Wembley determined not to let sentiment colour his judgment.

Chelsea have played seven FA Cup ties at the national stadium since it was reopened for the final in 2007 and won them all, with John Terry and Frank Lampard ever-present.

But the English stalwarts are braced for the news that they will start Sunday's semi-final against Manchester City on the bench due to squad rotation.

Lampard said: 'I don't think anyone is an automatic selection at the minute.

Back seat: Frank Lampard (right) could be left on the bench for the Wembley semi-final against Manchester City

'There are lots of games and he's changing it regularly. So I'm like everyone else. I want to play every game, but it's not possible.'

Terry, 32, and Lampard, who is 34 and in the final few months of his contract, have been the dominant figures at the club for a decade.

Under the ownership of Roman Abramovich, Chelsea have played 34 times in semi-finals and finals of the FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League. Until now Lampard has missed only two of those - injured for both legs of the Carling Cup semi-final in 2008 - and Terry has missed seven through injury and suspension.

Benitez will proceed with his strict rotation policy in an effort to get the most from what he considers a squad of inadequate depth for so many competitions.

You too: John Terry also feature in Chelsea's trip to Moscow to take on Rubin Kazan

Spine: Lampard and Terry have been stalwarts in Chelsea's forays at Wembley since its reopening

But he is fully aware his six-month reign at the Bridge will be judged on whether he wins trophies and qualifies for next season's Champions League.

'You cannot stop people thinking like that,' said Benitez, an FA Cup winner with Liverpool in 2006 - the last final to be played in Cardiff.

'In 10 years' time, they will not remember we did this playing with Paulo Ferreira and Nathan Ake, but you know what you have done with the players you had. I want to finish in the top three and win at least one trophy.

'But I have to say again, I think I have done a good job. We got to the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup, two semi-finals now and third in the league with a squad in transition, with young players.

'You can see the lack of experience, but we're working hard. We are pleased and want to keep doing that.'

Tinkering: Rafael Benitez is preparing to change up his squad for the Wembley Cup tie